Archive for February 28, 2010

This annual exhibition of the best works from Adelaide’s major tertiary arts schools is a rich mix of paintings, photographs, ceramics, video and more. Highlights include:

• Astra Parker’s Cell Formation Sculpture – a large egg-shaped steel mosaic beautifully created and wonderfully lit playing to Parker’s interest in perceptions of what is whole and what is separate.
• Michelle Jones’ Consumed paintings – facial photographs scrunched up in five panels playing to issues of the environment and painting’s relationship with photography
• Jamie Z’s Space Junk – 10 photographic panels depicting everyday disgarded items as space junk – defamiliarising the ordinary most effectively
• Sophia Bersee’s MAN – playing since BC – nine plaster man like figures that at first blush remind you of Chinese terracotta warriors but which in reality are much more child like in form.

The Helpmann Academy is an important part of the Adelaide arts scene and this exhibition highlights the quality of output from our arts schools and the importance of encouragement. A visit during Writers Week is recommended.

Kryztoff Rating  4.5K

>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe

Internationally recognised multi-media artist, Emma Hack, displays a full array of her works over recent years in a captivating exhibition. Using body art as the starting point, she has created three unique photographic styles, the Broadhurst wall paper approach – models camouflaged with flora and holding fauna – the Mandala designs and panoramic bodies in the outback where her muses are painted up to give great effect to the landscape.

With each of the interior wallpapers taking between 8 and 14 hours to work up, these images are testament to her patience, determination and vision. The desert photos come from a five day trip from the Gawler Ranges to Ceduna with both models and Cirkidz acrobats. One can only imagine the trepidation for these extras as they set off and the demands they would encounter from Hack and the elements.

These are great works often inpsiring complete amazement and creating a sense of respect for the effort involved. A must see.

Kryztoff Rating  5K

The front window of Miss Gladys in Rundle St is the setting for a mixed media presentation of dresses and accesories. Interesting moments exist with ‘Catch of the Day’ the most fascinating – a black dress covered in vintage newspaper clippings from the 1970s.

Kryztoff Rating   2.5K

Gary Cockburn’s images from the 2009 Fringe are worthy of not only a visit but a far greater presentation. From 15,000 photos, here are about 20 that capture all sorts of moments – rehearsals, the prop room, audience reactions, getting the lighting right, even an actual performance. The images are beautifully shot, capturing decisive moments in colour with wonderful use of light and emotion. With such a massive project set for himself the temptation must have been strong to just find something interesting, snap and move on to the next event. Not so for Cockburn, as these are carefully thought out across a range of venues and styles. One can only hope the Fringe itself will look to acquire many of these images as a faithful record of its 2009 festival and present widely. Enjoy the Cibo coffee while viewing.

Kryztoff Rating  5K

This 2 part exhibition is images of the travelling show ground – Cassie Flanagan’s colourful photos and John Willanski’s computer generated silhouettes and ink drawings. The former are dominated by images of a cowboy and fairy floss hat, the best of which is ‘Watching the Acrobats’. The latter are highlighted by white on black on white figures of ‘The Jester’, ‘the Acrobats’ and the ‘Trumpet Player’. Not the best.

Kryztoff Rating 2K